Finding the right curtains for your home

Curtains are one of those items that change the look of any room. When chosen correctly, with the right colour, fabric, length and lining, it can transform your room. And since the material will dictate how well your curtains will hold up over time, the price you pay is largely dependant on the material you choose.

Choosing the right material for your room:

Polyester curtains: This fabric is very popular in the sense that it is affordable for most families, is durable and sturdy. They do not shrink or stretch when washed, and the wrinkling is minimal. These curtains are perfect for individuals who haven’t got the time or money to send their curtains to the laundromat as one hand wash and dry will do them wonders. They are perfect for your living room or bedroom, but cannot be used in a kitchen as the material is highly flammable.

Cotton curtains: Cotton curtains usually come in a variety of different colours and options, for example, sheer cotton and block out cotton. Both are extremely modern and drape well. They look classy and are formal, so you can use them in your living room to change up your space. Block out curtains are usually best for the bedroom as they block the sun from coming in.

Silk curtains: Silk fabric gives a room a more relaxed, romantic and calming feel to it. This type of fabric is perfect for bedrooms, however, the only drawback is that they are quite difficult to clean. If you are happy to choose an alternative, then faux silk is easier for laundry purposes and can be kept for years to come due to its durability. Both look equally sleek and elegant.

Linen curtains: Linen curtains are usually more for decorative purposes or for homeowners who prefer light and airy curtains. They are usually constructed for dining and living rooms as they drape nicely and allow light in. For the best fabric effect, try to keep your colours neutral and light. These curtains might cost you a bit in laundry rates as they are tricky to wash. They should be dry cleaned and hung up immediately to avoid wrinkling.

Velvet curtains: For homes that tend to be cold inside, velvet curtains are the perfect option. They keep the warmth in and they look absolutely beautiful and vintage at the same time. They are great for dressing up a room, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.

Lace curtains: Lace curtains are especially difficult to clean as they provide the perfect opportunity for tearing or getting hooked on things, which is why it is advised that you have these curtains dry cleaned. This type of fabric is more of a statement piece. They give a room a traditional, airy flair and are used to accompany another type of fabric. They usually come in a variety of plain, neutral colours which make it easy to place them in almost any setting.

Taking care of your curtains

If you have the option, try to get your curtains made. This will make such a difference as you will be able to have them properly measured, with the correct linings that you want. If you have a shorter window, it is recommended to go for fabric blinds. These look much better than short curtains and are more practical.

Curtains gather quite a bit of dust but do not require you to wash them often. You can vacuum your curtains as part of your general cleaning routine. This will help you remove the dirt and dust. Also, be careful with dry-cleaning or washing your items in the machine as they can easily be damaged. High-quality curtains need to be washed by hand to preserve the quality for longer.

Eyelet curtains have quickly become the easiest, more modern choice of curtains for young adults because they are easy to put up. All you have to do is simply thread the curtain pole through the eyelets, using the innermost eyelet. This pole is not permanently attached to the wall as it allows you to easily take it down and put it up again whenever you want to switch up your curtain options or wash them. Many eyelet poles come with attachments on both sides, to stop the eyelet from falling off the pole. The beauty with eyelet curtains is that once the curtains have been threaded, they naturally pleat into generous folds.

How to hang pleated curtains

Pleated curtains are the older, more traditional type of curtain options. Before you start hanging your curtains, plan ahead and measure your space. Whatever you measure will impact the size of the pole you choose to buy. If you want to hang heavier curtains on your pole, consider adding further allowance on either side of the fabric. Especially because the fabric is bulkier, which will make it difficult to thread on.

Once you have confirmed the width of your curtains against the width of the pole, secure all of the cords at one end of the header tape (or pole). This is to ensure that the cords do not detach when drawing them in. At the unsecured end, gently pull all the cords in. Try and do this evenly to ensure that the curtains pull up evenly and straight. Once you are happy with how it looks, tie the cords. Do not cut them in case you need to redo them. Make sure everything is straight so that it looks neat and elegant.

Final words

You’ll be surprised how the quality of material can impact your space. Before you set out to buy your curtains, think about your options and be realistic. Shop around and even consider getting your curtains made if there’s a specific style and pattern you want. Each type of fabric offers different pros and cons, so make sure you understand what you’re buying before you splurge on something that might be poor-quality. Good quality curtains are expensive, so if you have to pay in, it’ll certainly make a difference.